| Region: | Southeastern coast of Africa |
| Capital: | Antananarivo |
| Population: | 27,691,018 (51th Rank) |
| Size: | 587,041 km² (46th Largest) |
| Language: | Malagasy and French |
| Density: | 48 per Km2 |
| Currency: | Malagasy ariary |
| National flower: | Royal Poinciana |
| National dish: | Romazava |
Quick Facts
Unique Ecosystems: Madagascar is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, with about 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. This includes unique species like lemurs, chameleons, and the fossa, a cat-like mammal.
Vanilla Production: Madagascar is the world’s largest producer of vanilla, accounting for about 80% of the global supply. The island’s climate and soil conditions create an ideal environment for vanilla orchids to flourish.
Cultural Mosaic: The culture of Madagascar is a unique blend of Asian, African, and European influences. Malagasy, the native language, reflects the island’s Southeast Asian roots, while French is also widely spoken due to colonial history.
Stone Forests: One of Madagascar’s most intriguing natural landmarks is the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, home to limestone karst formations known as “Tsingy.” These sharp, towering rocks create an otherworldly landscape that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga: This ancient fortified royal settlement is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madagascar. It’s a spiritual and historic site that has been a center of strong symbolic and spiritual significance for the Malagasy people for several centuries.
